Arch vs Arches - What's the difference?
arch | arches |
(senseid)An inverted U shape.
An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
(senseid)(architecture) An architectural element having the shape of an arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
(archaic, geometry) An arc; a part of a curve.
To form into an arch shape
To cover with an arch or arches.
(senseid) Knowing, clever, mischievous.
* Tatler
* 1906 , O. Henry,
*
Principal; primary.
* Shakespeare
(obsolete) A chief.
* Shakespeare
As a noun arch
is (senseid)an inverted u shape or arch can be (obsolete) a chief.As a verb arch
is to form into an arch shape.As an adjective arch
is (senseid) knowing, clever, mischievous.As a proper noun arches is
, a national park in utah.arch
Etymology 1
From (etyl), from (etyl) .Noun
(es)- to pass into the arch of a bridge
References
*Verb
- The cat arched its back
Etymology 2
From the prefix . "Principal" is the original sense; "mischievous" is via onetime frequent collocation with rogue, knave, etc.Adjective
(er)- I attempted to hide my emotions, but an arch remark escaped my lips.
- [He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
- A certain melancholy that touched her countenance must have been of recent birth, for it had not yet altered the fine and youthful contours of her cheek, nor subdued the arch though resolute curve of her lips.
- Lassiter ended there with dry humor, yet behind that was meaning. Jane blushed and made arch eyes at him.
- the most arch act of piteous massacre
Derived terms
* (l)Noun
(es)- My worthy arch and patron comes to-night.